Malta, a picturesque island nation in the Mediterranean, has become an attractive destination for global investors seeking European residency. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) commonly referred to as the Malta Golden Visa allows non-European Union (EU) citizens, including Indian passport holders, to obtain Maltese residency by making qualifying investments.

With benefits such as visa-free Schengen travel, the opportunity to live in a safe and stable country, and potential long-term European residency, Malta’s Golden Visa is gaining traction among Indian investors.

Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, investment requirements, and the application process.

What is Malta’s Golden Visa?

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a residency-by-investment scheme that allows non-EU nationals and their families to live, work, and study in Malta. It does not provide immediate citizenship, but it offers a pathway to long-term residence with the possibility of applying for Maltese citizenship in the future.

Malta’s strategic location, English-speaking population, and high quality of life make it an appealing choice for Indian investors looking for European access.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Passport Holders

To qualify for Malta’s Golden Visa, Indian applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a valid Indian passport
• Have a clean criminal record
• Be in good health and possess valid health insurance
• Demonstrate financial stability with a minimum capital of €500,000 (₹4.7 crore), out of which at least €150,000 (₹1.4 crore) must be in financial assets

Investment Requirements

Indian investors must make specific financial commitments to qualify for Malta’s Golden Visa. The investment options include:

1. Property Investment

Applicants must either purchase or lease property in Malta:

• Purchase Option: Buy a property worth at least €375,000 (₹3.5 crore) in central or northern Malta, or €300,000 (₹2.8 crore) in the southern region or Gozo.
• Lease Option: Rent a property for a minimum annual rent of €14,000 (₹13 lakh) in central or northern Malta, or €10,000 (₹9.4 lakh) in southern Malta or Gozo.

2. Government Contribution

A mandatory non-refundable contribution to the Maltese government:

• €28,000 (₹26 lakh) if purchasing property
• €58,000 (₹54 lakh) if leasing property

3. Charitable Donation

Applicants must donate €2,000 (₹1.9 lakh) to a registered Maltese non-governmental organization (NGO).

4. Administrative Fee

A €40,000 (₹37 lakh) non-refundable administrative fee is required, payable in two stages:

• €10,000 (₹9.4 lakh) upon application submission
• €30,000 (₹28 lakh) after initial approval

Total Cost Estimation

The total investment required for Malta’s Golden Visa varies based on the property option chosen. For an Indian applicant opting to lease a property, the total financial commitment would be approximately €100,000+ (₹94 lakh+).

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the Malta Golden Visa is a structured process that typically takes between 4 to 6 months. Here’s a step-by-step guide for Indian applicants:

Step 1: Document Preparation

Gather necessary documents, including:

• Valid Indian passport
• Proof of financial assets
• Health insurance certificate
• Police clearance certificate (clean criminal record)
• Affidavit confirming a net worth of at least €500,000 (₹4.7 crore)

Step 2: Submit Application

The application must be submitted through a licensed Maltese agent to the Residency Malta Agency (gov.mt).

Step 3: Due Diligence Checks

Maltese authorities conduct a thorough background check to ensure compliance with legal and financial requirements.

Step 4: Receive Approval and Invest

Upon pre-approval, applicants must:

1. Make the required investments (property purchase/lease, government contribution, and donation)
2. Submit proof of completed investments

Step 5: Obtain Residency Permit

Once all requirements are met, the Maltese government issues a residency permit valid for five years, which can be renewed.

Key Benefits of Malta’s Golden Visa for Indian Applicants

1. Schengen Visa-Free Travel

Residency in Malta grants visa-free travel across 26 Schengen countries, making it easier for Indian investors to visit Europe.

2. Family Inclusion

Applicants can include family members in their application, including:

• Spouse
• Dependent children
• Dependent parents and grandparents

3. No Minimum Stay Requirement

Unlike many other residency-by-investment programs, Malta does not require applicants to live in the country full-time to maintain their residency status.

4. Access to a Stable Economy

Malta offers political stability, a robust financial sector, and a high standard of living, making it an attractive destination for long-term residency.

5. Pathway to Long-Term Residency and Citizenship

While the MPRP does not automatically lead to citizenship, applicants who live in Malta for several years may apply for Maltese citizenship through naturalization.

Conclusion

For Indian investors seeking European access, security, and financial stability, Malta’s Golden Visa presents an attractive opportunity. While the investment requirements are substantial, the benefits such as visa-free Schengen travel, inclusion of family members, and long-term residency potential make it a valuable option.

However, given the complexity of the application process, it is recommended to work with authorized legal advisors to ensure compliance with Maltese regulations.